How To Use Concentrates for Different Styles, Types, and Experience Levels

New to concentrates and confused by all the options, styles, and consumption methods? Trust us: We get it. There are many choices out there, and they can quickly feel overwhelming. We’re here to help with a method-first guide designed to serve as a practical starting point.

The goal: To help you match concentrate type to consumption method for the best, most consistent, and enjoyable effects. Along the way, we’ll cover the main methods, what works best for each, and where you can go for even deeper, more granular instruction.

Using Concentrates at a Glance: Concentrates can be vaped, dabbed, added to flower, or enjoyed in an infused pre-roll, but not every method works for every product. Matching your concentrate to the right consumption method, and starting with a very small amount, makes all the difference.

Why the Consumption Method Matters With Concentrates

Even if you know how to use weed, concentrates are something altogether different: A highly potent, fast-acting cannabis format that’s offered in a dizzying array of choices. The method you choose matters because not every concentrate works with every device or format, and using the wrong one can mean a messy, wasteful, or underwhelming experience.

Where do you even begin? One way to start is to think about texture and how it affects your choice of method. Powdered, granular forms aren’t the best choice for dabbing, while sticky, semi-liquid forms might not lend themselves to joints. Matching the physical consistency of your concentrate to the right method is the first step toward a smooth, consistent session.

Beyond texture, your priorities matter, too. If you’re driven by the endless quest for flavor, try “live” formats like live resin and live rosin, which preserve an exceptional amount of aromatic terpenes. But if you’re into taking your fun on the road, a dab or wax pen may be the perfect compromise between exceptional flavor and ready-to-roll convenience.

Whatever method you choose, start with the smallest possible amount. Concentrates are significantly more potent than flower, and the effects arrive quickly. Start low and go slow; you can always have more, but you can’t have less.

Curious about concentrates? Get the full breakdown with our in-depth guide to concentrates.

How To Use Concentrates: Multiple Methods at a Glance

According to our customers, one of the major issues with learning how to use concentrates is the sheer number of options. Sorting through the various consumption methods, not to mention the sprawling range of styles and consistencies, is enough to make your head spin. 

To help you sort through the options, here’s a simple chart broken down by consumption method, necessary equipment, and other useful variables.

Not sure which row describes your situation? The next section breaks down each method in more detail, with guidance on what works best and why, so you can find your footing before making any purchases.

How to Choose the Right Method for Your Concentrate

Here’s the thing about learning how to use concentrate: There’s no single “right” way. Instead, the best method depends on what you have, your experience level, and your session goals. Here’s a rundown of the most popular options for using cannabis concentrates.

Dabbing

The “gold standard” for enjoying concentrates, dab rigs are a little like high-tech bongs, fine-tuned to deliver a powerful hit of vaporized extracts. And while they’re not exactly portable, they trade convenience for maximum flavor and potency. They’re typically best for wax, shatter, rosin, live resin, diamonds, and crumble

While there’s some variation among designs, dab rigs rely on a preheated “nail” (sometimes called a “banger”) that vaporizes a small amount of concentrate. For those leery of the pre-heating routine, which typically involves a butane torch, simpler electric devices called “e-rigs” serve as an acceptable beginner-friendly alternative.

At Mission, we’ve written a great deal about these powerful tools. Start your education with our guide How to Use a Dab Rig.

Vaping

Vaping is best for oil cartridges, live resin cartridges, distillate, and vape-compatible wax. A true revolution in cannabis technology, vapes operate on the principle that by heating a concentrate to the point at which its cannabinoids and terpenes volatilize, they can deliver a potent and highly flavorful experience without the potential for irritation associated with combusting (burning) plant matter. 

These rechargeable devices are highly portable and have the added advantage of discretion when compared to smoking. In essence, vapes heat a concentrate using a miniature electric coil, and many are designed to work with cartridges or pods, offering exceptional flexibility and choice. Just be sure that the cartridge style is compatible with the device you choose. 

If you’re new to the wide world of vaping, get up to speed with our How to Use a Vape Pen primer.

Topping Flower

Not ready to invest in specialized gear? Requiring nothing more than a bowl, joint, or blunt, sprinkling or layering a small amount of concentrate over ground flower is a sure-fire way to boost potency without the need for new gear. Topping flower is usually best suited for kief, crumble, wax, and hash.

To learn more about some popular concentrates to add to flower, begin with our explainers on kief and crumble wax.

Infused Pre-Rolls

For those who want a concentrate experience without equipment or prep, infused pre-rolls take the work out of rolling an infused joint. Whether it’s distillate, kief, hash oil, tiny wax shards, or another concentrate, these products add the flavor and potency of extracts to finely ground, high-quality cannabis flower, all rolled up and ready to go.

That said, a word of warning: These hi-test products definitely hit differently, and they demand you pace yourself, especially if you’re new to concentrates. Start low and go slow. 

For more background and tips, check out our guide to What Is an Infused Pre-Roll?

Common Concentrate Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

When you’re learning how to use weed concentrates, it’s not unusual to run into pitfalls. And because we’d like to help you avoid them, here are a few of the most common ones.

• Using too much product: Concentrates are potent, so it’s essential that you start small, no more than the size of a grain of rice. Wait at least 15 minutes before assessing the effects before having more. 
• Overheating the dab rig nail: Most sources suggest you let the nail slightly cool before adding the dab, and we strongly agree. High temperatures burn terpenes while lower temperatures preserve flavor. There’s no need to rush!
• Wrong method for the concentrate: Be sure to match the method with the material. Liquid sauce doesn’t belong in joints, and shatter isn’t appropriate for vape pens. If in doubt, you can always ask one of our budtenders for help.
• Skipping cleanup: That crusty residue left over after a session? It will affect the flavor of the next one. Always give your gear a quick clean for smoother hits every time. 
• Improper storage: Concentrates degrade faster than flower, so they maintain flavor and potency best when stored in airtight and cool, dark places.

The good news is that most of these pitfalls come down to the same handful of principles: start small, match your method to your material, and take care of your gear. Get those right, and you’re most of the way there.

Stock Up on Flavorful Concentrates & More at Mission Dispensaries

There really isn’t a wrong way to use concentrates. Rather, it depends on the concentrate type, your experience, and your personal preferences. That said, if you’re just starting out, we recommend you begin with simple methods, like trying a wax pen, or adding a pinch of concentrate to a joint or bowl, before working your way up to dabbing.

 Ready to try the freshest concentrates on the market? Check out the menus at our dispensaries in Massachusetts or Illinois to explore our expansive selection of concentrates and extracts. Our budtenders are always on hand to help you find the perfect puff, or brush up on your know-how with our in-depth blog for more tips and information. We’re always here to help!

How to Use Concentrates FAQs

What is the easiest way to use concentrates?

When you’re learning to use concentrates, the simplest consumption method is through a purpose-made vape pen, also known as a wax or dab pen.

Can you use concentrates without a dab rig?

Yes. Some concentrate products can be easily added to a joint or bowl or consumed with a specialized vape pen. The best way to use concentrate types depends on their consistency and your experience level.

How much concentrate should a beginner use?

Because consuming cannabis concentrates delivers such potent results, we recommend that beginners start with the smallest possible amount, no more than the size of a grain of rice, then assess the effects before taking any more. Remember: Start slow and go low for the best experience.

What concentrate is best for vaping?

Since it’s a matter of personal preference, the best concentrate for vaping depends on whether you prioritize flavor, potency, or ease of use. Many consumers prefer live resin and live rosin for quality and flavor, while others prefer badder, wax, shatter, or other forms for convenience and ease of handling.

Can you add concentrates to a joint or bowl?

Yes. Adding a small amount of concentrates to a joint or bowl is one of the go-to methods for enjoying these potent products.